This enormously rich Chardonnay was grown in the winery’s dramatic mountain vineyard. It’s powerful in concentrated pineapple jam and lemon fruit, while winemaker interventions add creamy notes of vanilla, honey and buttered toast. What it trades in nuance, it more than makes up for in sheer power.——S.H.(11/1/2010)—— 90

Rich and oaky, this Chard has flavors of vanilla custard, caramel, butterscotch, pineapple jam, Meyer lemons and pear tart with the crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will appeal to legions of Chardonnay lovers.——S.H.(9/1/2009)—— 85

Hess Collection's 1991 Chardonnay Mount Veeder is a wonderfully elegant, classic expression of Chardonnay emphasizing finesse over power and concentration. I immensely enjoyed its crisp, buttery, floral, apple-scented and flavored fruit, and the medium to full-bodied, long finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.